Agricultural consultant Gavin Fisher advocates for diversity in animal feeding to improve gut health and performance.

Gavin, who advises farmers throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, has long been a proponent of biological farming approaches that prioritize soil and animal health.

"The conventional approach to animal nutrition has been too focused on single-nutrient thinking," says Gavin.

"We give them nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and maybe a few trace elements. But animals evolved eating a diverse range of plants and materials."

Gavin argues that rumen health is the foundation of animal performance, and diversity is key to a healthy rumen.

"The rumen is an incredibly complex ecosystem containing billions of microorganisms. Those microbes need diversity to thrive."

This is where AgriSea fits into Gavin's feeding philosophy.

"Seaweed contains compounds and trace elements that animals simply don't get from conventional feeds. It adds a dimension of diversity that supports rumen health."

Gavin has observed consistent improvements in the farms where he's recommended AgriSea products.

"Farmers report better body condition, improved milk production, better fertility. These aren't random occurrences – they're the result of better gut health."

He particularly notes the importance of iodine and other trace minerals found naturally in seaweed.

"Many New Zealand soils are deficient in iodine and other trace elements. Seaweed provides these in a natural, bioavailable form."

For Gavin, AgriSea represents a return to more natural, holistic farming practices.

"We've spent decades trying to simplify farming into chemical formulas. But nature is complex, and we need to respect that complexity. Diversity in feeding is essential."

Gavin continues to recommend AgriSea to his consulting clients as part of a broader biological farming approach.

"It's not a silver bullet – nothing is. But it's an important piece of the puzzle in building healthier, more productive farming systems."